SummaryIn order to evaluate the economic (DA= Algerian Dinar; 1 Euro= 100 DA in 2011) performance of beef farms, this study, carried out on a sample of 102 farms in the grand Cheliff (Algeria) during 2011, resulted in the distinction of 3 classes (A,B,C) of farms. Class A farms showed the lowest production costs (482.39 DA) compared to class B and C pointing respectively 581.31 DA and 585.58 DA. The average unit selling price of live bovine was 600.93 DA/kg. The lowest cost price (465 DA/kg) was presented by Class A farms, whereas the highest (572.92 DA/kg) was shown by Class C farms. The average gross profit per head of livestock over the year 2011 was 78 241.16 DA, ranging between a minimum of 60 706 DA/head (Class C farms) and a maximum of 91 486 DA/head (Class B farms). As a result, Class A farms was considered the best performing class as it showed the lowest production costs, compared to class B farms C under onerous conditions, following the various difficulties and constraints of either local or imported production factors.